The cabinet has approved the implementation of 64 construction projects under the Sukithapura programme.

The proposal made by the Megapolis and Western Development Minister Champika Ranawaka to complete contracts that were awarded last year, which could not be completed due to various factors, and implement programmes for the 2017 financial year, was approved by the cabinet.

Last month the reported that the funds allocated for infrastructure projects in the Western Region was insufficient to begin new proposed projects.

Sukithapura or Sukithapurawara, the major infrastructure development plan for the Western Province was allocated Rs. 10 billion last year. The project is set-up to upgrade infrastructure facilities, develop and beautify 23 townships in the Western Province, paving the way for mega development projects such as the financial city in the region.

The mega project began 70 other development projects last year, twenty percent of which are scheduled to be completed in the next two months. The large spectrum of Sukithapura envisions the initiation of more projects, but sources say the Rs. 4.8 billion allocated by the state for 2017 will only be sufficient to complete existing projects but not to commence new ones.

Towns such as Borella, Kesbewa, Kottawa, Kaduwela, Piliyandala, Battaramulla, Kadawatha, Mahara, Meerigama, Kalutara, Homagama, Maharagama, Kottawa, Horana, Panadura and Bulathsinhala are some areas that will be developed under the project.
Colombo is to be made into a commercial city and all administrative facilities are to be shifted outside the city. The project will also make the necessary infrastructure facilities for this change, officials said.

Projects on a smaller scale such as the relocation of Manning Market in Pettah to Peliyagoda will also come under the Sukithapura project.

Long term goals of the project would be to acquire land for large scale development projects, for specific development projects such as the establishment of a tech city, and transportation hubs.